Ten top tips for Trainee Solicitors
I am now in the fourth seat of my Training Contract and like to think I have learnt some things about being a Trainee Solicitor along the way. With that in mind, here are ten top tips to help you stand out during the training process.
1. Always conduct yourself in a professional manner
First impressions count – and extend well beyond your first day. Impressions are made when you begin a role in a new team, when you meet someone from a different department for the first time and when you work alongside external people (like barristers or agents). You never know what your day will hold and who you may meet. Whilst you may simply be drafting documents at your desk, it is highly likely you will end up participating in client meetings (either at the office or during home visits) or attending local agricultural shows and networking events.
It’s key to remember that you are always representing yourself to the firm as well as representing the firm to others and act accordingly.
2. Have a can-do attitude and be proactive
Remember, you have become a Trainee Solicitor to learn and develop your individual skills but it’s vital to be a team player, and support your colleagues. If you want to get the most out of the time you spend in each department (six months can pass in a flash!) take care and time in every task you do, no matter how big or small. Your supervisor is of course there to support you as you grow within your career, but they also have their own workload, which it is important to remain respectful of.
Taking care and attention over tasks, even administrative ones, is key. For example, when you send your supervisor an email it’s helpful to make sure everything they need is there. If you are referencing other emails or documents, make sure they are attached and appropriately named. Even go so far as to make sure they correspond with the order given in your email. It may seem excessive, but small habits such as these help cement best practice in the long run.
3. Teamwork is essential
You will inevitably work with many different colleagues over the course of your Training Contract, undertaking four seats with multiple solicitors in each team. Each team may do things in a different way which may feel difficult to navigate. Adapting to how each team works is an important skill to master and take through your career. We are all unique, but for the most part are here to achieve the same outcome.
4. Go the extra mile
If you have been set a task, don’t be afraid to go the extra mile. Instead of simply reading the last couple of emails to obtain the necessary information, if you have time, try to read all the correspondence and the major documents. Trying to understand the wider context will make any work you do on the matter much easier.
When asked to review a file, instead of simply suggesting the next steps to your supervisor - give it a go. Always ask questions and don’t take any unnecessary risks, but never be afraid to take initiative.
5. Embrace the red marker
No one likes being told that you haven’t done something well but Trainees are here to learn. Seeking out feedback is important as it highlights areas where you can improve. Take every opportunity to sit down with a supervisor and benefit from their years of experience to grow.
Everything you will do will get read over and checked which means there may be some changes made to your work. Try not to take this to heart. A trainee isn’t expected to produce the same level of work as the Director or Partner who may have years of experience.
Use this as an opportunity to read through the changes and try to understand why they have been made. It may seem intimidating to ask for feedback directly, but doing this will help you grow, boosting your confidence as you navigate your career. Try to find inspiration in the differences between working approaches as a way to find your own style.
6. A phone call is worth a thousand emails
As the (slightly amended) old adage goes, a phone call is worth a thousand emails. Emails tend to feel safer as these can be checked over before they are sent and you have time to think before you respond to whatever comes back. However, relying on emails can cause you to go back and forth with the other side on a specific point for months, when picking up the phone can quickly lead you to realise that they are just another individual, also working towards what’s best for their client.
In most cases, you can get things sorted out much more quickly by speaking to people directly. Go into the call knowing the fundamental information (e.g. the full names of clients on both sides along with any applicable reference numbers) and what you want to gain from the conversation. Review the file again before making any calls. With practice, calls will get easier over time. Always try to send a follow up email after to catch what’s been said, so nothing gets lost in translation.
7. It’s not just about understanding the law
You can learn so much from support staff. With system knowledge, client insight and professional services understanding, having them on your side will be a game changer. As Trainees often come straight from university, support staff can also provide invaluable understanding of the law firm environment and what’s expected.
8. Get involved
Whether that looks like signing up to networking events, supporting fundraising activity or undertaking training, just say yes. Before you qualify and turn your focus to achieving a “Fee Target” use this time as an opportunity to try out different events and initiatives. Where the firm is advertising events ask if you can go (and always post about it on LinkedIn after). Training Contracts are challenging yet rewarding and you have to balance the BD with the workload but take a hold of every opportunity you can. Remember, your law firm will help you grow to become a well-rounded solicitor, the best legal professional you can be. The soft skills are arguably as necessary to your success as knowing the law.
9. Have a support system in place
Your Training Contract will not be easy. It can be highly rewarding but it is hard work, especially if you are studying alongside it. You need to make sure that you have a support system in place, be that your family to help shoulder the burden of late nights, your fellow trainees to talk to when it gets too much or your Training Principal to support you with encouraging words and world-class baking skills (in my case!). Remember, everyone at your firm wants you to succeed and believes in your abilities.
You can also look into whether your firm offers external counselling and other wellbeing benefits. It is not weakness to need help. Use your holidays, rather than just a day here and there, take a full week off to disconnect and you will not regret it. Burn out is real and it’s important to try to prevent it through regular breaks and rest.
10. Don’t be too hard on yourself
As law students we all understand the struggle of securing a Training Contract and the pressure to perform. But also remember to give yourself some grace.
Don’t expect to be the best solicitor in the team on day one of your Training Contract. You have been hired to learn so just take each day as it comes, take in as much as you can and every seat will get easier. Whilst the law may be different in each department, gathering transferable skills will really help you in putting the best foot forward.